KASIEC rejects Kwankwasiyya list in Kano council poll

Ahead of February 10 council poll in Kano, the Chairman of the state electoral commission (KASIEC), Prof. Garba Ibrahim Sheka, has rejected the Kwankwasiyya list.

Sheka told journalists in his office that the commission’s position has nothing to do with the alleged feud between Governor Abdullai Ganduje and former Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso.He said: “KASIEC did not recognise any group called Kwankwasiyya in the list of political parties for the February 10 local government election.”

The chairman further disclosed that KASIEC had confirmed the participation of 36 political parties in the poll.Stakeholders have however, expressed concern that the development may worsen the crisis rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.It is feared that Kwankwaso’s scheduled campaign in the state might ignite a fresh clash between supporters of both sides.

This followed Sheka explanation that KASIEC would only recognise the lists sent by the leadership of the government- supported APC in the state.He added that the commission would only sell forms to the aspirants approved by the Bashir Yahaya Karaye-led APC in the state.

Karaye, who the national leadership of the party recently approved as acting Chairman, is alleged to be at loggerhead with Umar Haruna Doguwa, who is the anointed chairman of Kwankwaso.

Sheka disclosed that preparation for the election had been concluded, adding that sensitive materials would soon arrive from abroad.On allegation of interference by the state government, the commission’s chairman said he would not succumb to any external pressure.

He also denied an allegation that he had resigned his appointment.But Ganduje has pledge to warmly receive Kwankwaso, who is scheduled to lead the campaign for aspirants in his group.

The Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, disclosed this, while dismissing the claims that there would be crisis. He said the governor has achieved a lot in the last 12 months and pledged government’s commitment to completing the ongoing hydropower project.